Stand in Awe, Habakkuk 3:2

Stand in Awe

Habakkuk 3:2 Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.

We, those of us who grew up in the church,  have heard and know of the great deeds of the Lord. We know the story of God's protection through the flood, his promise to Abram, the destruction of evil in Sodom, the accuracy given to kill a gaint, and so many more.  But, none surpass the forgiveness made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. Certainly we serve an awesome God.

A and K, you do serve an awesome God. He had done many marvelous works, but, never think that they are all in the past. He will do great things for you even today! When evil is all around you, ask him to destroy it. When the water's of tasks and trials seem overwhelming and you are about to drown, know he can protect you from the storms of life.

Put your trust in him. As spiritual trials and temptations come, ask him to renew his work in you that you might continue to stand. For, our God is an awesome God, he gives strength and power to his people (Ps. 68:35). He will have mercy on you and raise you up and you will stand in awe!

~Dad

Power and Pride, 2 Chronicles 26:16

Power and Pride

2 Chronicles 26:16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall

Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, say Proverbs 16:18. Here we see it true. Uzziah, only 16 when he became king, took instruction on the fear of the Lord under the prophet Zechariah and eagerly followed the Lord. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success (verse 5).

K and A, you know I hang on this verse. Your great great aunt on the Hess side refrained from saying, I'm proud of this or that. She would say I'm grateful...

Daughters, when you (or your children) become successful in your endeavors, remember Uzziah. He began to take credit and honor for his accomplishments, then his pride led him astray. If you keep your heart from pride, God will continue his blessings and joy and peace will fill your soul.

~Dad

Dorcas, A Great Name, Acts 9:36

Dorcas, A Great Name

Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.

A great name?... right. I never liked the name. It brings pictures in my mind of goofy, inept, backward people that seem to never get out of your face. That's what I thought growing up. I guess it was too close to the word dork. Who would want to be called Dorcas...

But it is a great name, when you know the story of Dorcas. It's not a long one, but her story needs to be known and copied. Peter was urged to come see her, even though she had died. She had become sick, died, and washed, readied for burial... yet they still sent for Peter. He came, prayed for her and she came back to life. Of course, everyone was thrilled! So, many had loved her, for she lived so many.

A and K, will people care if you die? There would be sad family members, but who else would care? Live your life like Dorcas and they will. As you go around through life, do not close your eyes to the needs of others. We are the body of Christ, made in his likeness (1 Cor. 12:27). We are to reach out and care for other like he did. Go around doing good and help those in need. I may never call you a Dorcas, but I'll be so grateful you chose to be one!

~Dad

Quick Note: He's Coming, Jeremiah 4:13

He's Coming

Jeremiah 4:13 Look! He advances like the clouds, his chariots come like a whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles, woe to us we are ruined.

We must be ready for the Lord's return. He will cone to gather his own, but those who are not his will fear his return.

Daughters, have your heart right with God and you will be glad to see him coming.

~Dad

Quick Note: Get Yourself Moving, Proverbs 6:6 - 8

Get Yourself Moving

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider it's ways and be wise.

In this passage, we get a lesson from nature. Solomon tries to spur us on to get our work done. We shouldn't have to need prodded; just get to it. The ant doesn't need told what to do. It prepares now for what lies ahead.

A and K, God gave you the talents and abilities necessary for you to accomplish the task. You have to get busy and get it done. Do what is important now so when it is time to complete the task you will be ready to finish. Stir yourself up and get moving. God wants to do good things with your life. If you prepare yourself now you'll be quite amazing in years to come!

~Dad

Quick Note, No Worry, 1 Peter5:7

No Worry

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

What fears do you have? Is life uncertain, you don't where you are headed? Does it cause you to be anxious? Trust God. Make no rash decisions, instead pray and wait upon the Lord. (Is. 40:31)

Daughters, if you truly desire God's way in your life, he will direct your path.  Don't lean on your own wisdom for it will lead you astray. Choose to acknowledge God in all areas of your life, trusting in him with all your heart. Then he will lift you to new heights and put contentment in your mind and soul.  ( Pr. 3:5 & 6)

~Dad

Quick Note, Jesus is Willing, Matthew 8:3

Jesus is Willing

Matthew 8:3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.

The man knew his need. His skin was being eaten away and everyone was avoiding him. He had heard of Jesus and when he saw him he said, "If you are willing make me clean." Jesus was and his leprosy was gone!

Ladies, do you know your condition? What is eating at you? Do you want relief? Jesus is willing. He is willing and able to cleanse you. Call out to him and he will care for you, no matter how big or how little your problem is. Call out to him.

~Dad

My Glory and Joy, 1 Thessalonians 2:19

My Glory and Joy

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope and our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

Paul and others worked hard to nurture the spiritual lives of those in Thessalonica. With great conviction, they accepted Paul's message and became imitators of him and of the Lord. But, Paul and his fellow workers had to move on and left them to grow in the Lord, and now he was concerned for their souls. Had they turned back? Were hardships and sufferings over taking them so that they turned back on their faith? Paul sent Timothy to them to find out. When he returned, he had great news; the Thessalonians had remained strong in their faith, they were standing in the Lord! What a joy that was to Paul.

A and K, I have nurtured each of you in your faith. As a concerned father and mentor, I desire that you live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ep. 4:1). So, whenever I see or hear of your faithfulness, I glory in the fact that you are standing firm. It gives me encouragement to know that I have not labored in vain; nor spent my strength for nothing at all (Is. 49:4). When Christ returns, I want to present you to him, a living sacrifice, holy unto him. You will be my crown! Continue, then, to stand firm in the Lord and the joy in my heart.

~Dad

Quick Note: Faithful and Mighty God, Psalm 89:8

Faithful and Mighty God

Psalm 89:8 O Lord God almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Ethan knew of the faithfulness of God, and he wanted everyone to know. He wrote this psalm so the generations to come would know of his faithful and mighty God.

K and A, I also want you to know that our God is faithful and mighty. There are many songs written about the greatness of God...Great is Thy Faithfulness, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Our God is an Awesome God, and many more... Like this psalm, these were written so you might never forget God's magnificence. You serve a mighty God and you can count on him.

~Dad

(I couldn't preview these, video wasn't working)

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Our God is an Awesome God

Genesis 14, Part 2: Hold No Grudge, vs. 13 - 17

Hold No Grudge

Genesis 14:14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far a Dan.

When Abram heard the news that Lot and his household was taken captive, he did not hesitate. He mustered his fighting men and plotted how he would attack the raiding king who had taken them. He routed them and pursued them until all the goods and people were recovered. Then, they returned back to the King's Valley near Sodom.

It is true that Abram gave Lot the task of choosing which land they would settle in. Lot chose the well watered valley and left the hill country for Abram and his household. It has been said many times that Abram got the short end of the stick, and that Lot was being selfish. Abram didn't take it that way. He chose to get along. He loved his nephew and garnished no grudge that would come between he and Lot. When Lot came under attack, he was free to have empathy and worked to free his nephew from certain destruction. He felt no hatred, nor did arbor any angst, instead Abram was supportive and was willing to die to save Lot from harm.

It is easy for us to look at our "lot" in life and blame someone else for its hardships. "If we were only born in this or that family, we have it so much easier". "If that lady was just a better teacher, I would excel in my life." "They made the test to hard, I could understand what they were asking for." "The person is so annoying, he doesn't deserve my help." "They cheated me, what makes them think I'll help them now?" It is hard to come to the aid of others, when we have so many reasons... or excuses why they don't deserve it. Abram went into battle for Lot because he loved his nephew despite being taken advantage of.

A and K, how do you respond when you are cheated? Are you willing to forgive and move on? Will you care for those that seem to be or even are against you. The wise writer of Proverbs 25 said that we are to supply for the needs of our enemies for God will reward you (vs 22). Jesus said we are to bless those that curse us (Lk. 6:28). Lot was in need and Abram held no grudge. He loved and cared about him and was willing to give his life to help. Jesus said that is rarely done and a sign of a greater love Jn. 15:13).

Daughters, you can rise above the world and choose to love. Hold no grudge, no matter how you have been cheated. God will reward your faithfulness.

~Dad

You Can, Phiippians 4:13

You Can

Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

In a follow up to my last post, we notice a different perspective from Paul than from Job. You may say that Paul's circumstances were different than Job's, for one, Paul never lost any children. That would be true. I am not trying to compare circumstances but the outcomes of their perspectives.

Job had trouble accepting God's sovereignty when he had done nothing wrong, particularity after his friends' concern for his righteousness... read Job's dialogs with his friends.  After their onslaught, he began to say his suffering was unfair, "With God as my judge, I have not sinned to deserve this," he said. He was right. He was suffering for a higher reason he could not understand, nor would God explain. His suffering was not for what he had done.

Paul, on the other hand, did suffer for what he had done. But, what was strange in most people's minds, is that he suffered for doing what God called him to do. He was caught in a dilemma, stop doing what God wanted and don't suffer, or do what God asked him to do and suffer from the hands of evil men. Paul chose to follow God. He stated... I have learned to be content in any circumstance, rich or poor, well fed or hungry. He learned the secret. Shhhhh... here's the secret: (He learned that he could be faithful to God through any situation, because God promised to strengthen him.)

K and A, have you learned to be content no matter the problems that arise. God will strengthen you to live for him. He will enable you to carry out any task he calls you to do. Sure you have a lot of work to do to become a caring nurse or to perfect your musical skills, but he will build you up in order for you to do so. Don't become weary in doing what he has called you to do, for in the end you will succeed, if you do not give up (Gal. 6:9). So, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, for yes, you can and you will... because God can and he will, trust him!

~Dad

God Can, Job 42:2

God Can

Job 42:2 I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.

When Job, tired of his suffering, told God it wasn't fair he had to suffer and demanded an audience with him to find out why, God spoke! Job never received the answer he was looking for from God, except to hear that God is God and if God so chooses to do something, he will. After God chided Job, Job hung his head low and said... you can do all things and no one can get an upper hand on you.

We must remember in this accounting of Job's life that Satan had to get permission to strike Job. God had to allow it to happen and only to the extent that God would allow. God does not always make our lives easy. He works the good and evil around us to accomplish his purposes. This may lead to one believing that everything has already been determined, history has been written and we have no real choice, God decided for us before the beginning of time. Don't be lead astray. Although the Lord is supreme, he has given us a free will. Like Adam and Eve, we choose to be obedient or not. We choose whether we are going to trust God, believing his ways are better choices that our own natural desires. If we choose his ways, he has promised to sustain us. He will enable us to live holy lives. Satan cannot out maneuver God. God will make the way possible.

A and K, do you believe God can help you live for him? Can God provide a way for you to trust him and do his will in your life? Does he have the power to hold back the forces of evil? Is he able to make you clean and purify you from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9)? Will he carry out what he says he will do? Yes, yes, yes, & yes! Satan can never get the upper hand if you truly desire the Lord's way. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, for yes, God can and he will!

~Dad

Genesis 14, Part 1: Living Among Evil, Genesis 14:1-12

Living Among Evil

Genesis 14:12 They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.

Abram and Lot had parted company to avoid conflicts between the families. Abram took the hills and Lot chose the rich, well watered plain. Dangers can arise as conflicts drive even the closest families apart. In this instance in time, raiding parties often arose and ravaged the towns and cities that appeared vulnerable. Sodom became a such a place and all who lived there were subject to the dangers. Since Lot lived in Sodom, he was captured during a battle and taken captive.

Many times the question is asked, "Why do good people suffer." Here is one answer to that difficult question; good people suffer many times as a result of living among evil. Jesus prayed to his father not to take good people out of this world, but to protect them while in it (Jn. 17:16). We can be assured that troubles will arise out of no fault of our own (Jn. 16:33). Where evil reigns, troubles surmount and tragedies affect all in its path. But, God protects his own and will sustain those who put their trust in him.

A and K, you live among evil. Yet you cannot hide yourself away. You are called to live out your faith among those in the world around you. Even though you live faithfully, troubles will come your way. You will suffer along with those who are evil around you. Lot, a righteous man (2 Pet. 2:7), was taken captive and had to be rescued despite his faithfulness. Ladies, it is right to question your faithfulness and devotion to the Lord when bad things happen to you, a good person and check to see if you are still in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5), yet troubles will come for the most pious among us. When they do come, take heart for Jesus has made it possible to overcome them!

~Dad

Don't Go Back, 2 Peter 2:22

Don't Go Back

2 Peter 2:22 Of them the Proverbs are true: "As a dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

What a strange sight. I wasn't sure why.  So gross, how could he do it. Our little beagle was with me out in the bunk silo. We had only lived on the farm a few years and never used the bunk silo. Grandpa, my dad, was having us dismantle it.  The walls were made of tongue and groove creosoted boards. To me, it was a miserable job, but there I was, me and my dog, because I was told go. I was trying to work, when all at once the dog started coughing and hacking and up it came. Whatever he had eaten came out all chewed up but solid like a hotdog.

Yeah that was gross, but that wasn't the worst.  After a few seconds the dog felt better and straight back to the puke he went. He began licking it, eating it up... yum, right? As long as my memory is clear, I'll never forget that sight, ingrained in my mind forever.

Ah, stories from the past; memories that make our childhood live on. In this verse, Peter uses our experiences to tell spiritual truths. People in the church, who were once saved and living in the joy of the Lord, turned and went back to wallow in their sin once more. Why? How? Now worse off than they were. So sad. They knew the grace of God, now they spurned his love and forgiveness. Will they ever turn back to God...

A and K, you know God's love and forgiveness. Never turn back. Flee any sins of the past. Don't desire any part of the sinful world. Its pleasures never satisfy. They may gratify the flesh, your natural desires, but they will leave you empty in your soul and, more importantly, separated from God. Don't go back to the ways of the world. They think it's good, but you know it for what it is, vomit. Jesus said to partake of his body and his blood. Now he will fill you up, and you will be satisfied! You'll never want to go back.

~Dad

Ought To Teach, Hebrew 5:12

Ought to Teach

Hebrews 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk not solid food.

The writer here is saying that Christians need to grow up. It is right to teach Christians to follow what is written in the word, these things are right to do; the Bible says don't do this but do this. As we mature we continue to follow the Word, but we move past the basic Thou Shall Nots and move into deeper waters. Then we are enabled to teach others. Sadly, most Christians never get there.

K and A, you both teach children now, when will you be ready to teach adults? Have you grown up in your faith? Is your relationship with the Spirit deep enough to lead an exegetical discussion of a passage of Scripture (1Cor. 2:10)?

The closer to God you become, the further you will be from the draw of the world and the more you will mature. Allow the Spirit to work in your life to deepen your faith enabling you to live in righteousness. Then you will be prepared to teach the deeper truths to help others mature.

~Dad

The Point of Doing Good, Matthew 25:31 - 46

The Point of Doing Good

Matthew 25:35 & 36 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Why did the sheep in this accounting of the last days get to go to heaven? Was it because they unknowingly helped Jesus? Maybe it was because they did good deeds? Certainly, Jesus was pleased with them. Certainly, Jesus wantsn't pleased with the group that never lifted a finger for anyone who was hurting. They received their reward... eternal punishment!

I thought salvation was not based on doing works but on faith? Well, James says it takes both, not faith alone (James 2:24). But that's not the issue today. What Jesus shows us here is that the sheep are those who have the heart of Christ. They help others, not to get credits for getting into heaven, not to say, "I better help that person because if I do it is like helping Christ", although it is, no, they help others because they see a need, they see someone hurting, because they have compassion on them just like Jesus does.

K and A, when you were saved, you received the spirit of God to reside within you. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. If you open yourself to him, he will fill you and you will conform to the likeness of Christ (Ro 8:29). As you conform, you will live as Christ and do the things he would do. You become his hands and feet carrying out his will, for you are the body of Christ (1 Co. 12:27). So the reason you do good is because you are Godly. Like Jesus you will see their need and have compassion on them and will do good.

The point, then, of doing good, daughters, is to help those in need. You are being Vhrist to them. Your love for them, carried out in good deeds, is recognized by Christ, and he will grant you eternal life with him. Become like Christ and you will love others and care for the needs, and you shall receive the smile of God's approval.

~Dad

They Listened, Luke 11:29 - 32

They Listened

Luke 11:32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah are here.

Ninehev was wicked and God had enough. Jonah was sent to the city to condemn it to the Lord's destruction. They were so taken back that the repented, fasted and prayed to the Lord to relent. He did so.

Jesus declared that Nineveh was better than Israel. The leaders wanted Jesus to perform a sign ( I surmise) which show he was a prophet. But Jesus refused except the sign of Jonah... repent or be destroyed.

It has always interested me that evil people can see destruction coming but those in the church have no fear of God. I believe this lack of fear comes from the teaching that "God doesn't look at our sin when he sees us, rather he see the purity of Jesus". Jesus' blood certainly is pure, but it doesn't merely cover our sins, it changes who we are... If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation... (2Cor 5:17). To become this new creation, we must repent for destruction surely come.

A and K, Jesus said a wicked generation seek miracles. He wants you to take him at his word. You don't need special signs and wonders. Jesus calls us to many things. He says to love the Lord with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself, saying that was what the Law was all about (Mt 22:40, Lev 19). Daughters, when your life doesn't align with the Word, repent, then he will see and forgive and you shall live!

~Dad